American Human Assocation Award

DENVER, Nov. 21, 2006 – The American Humane Association recently honored nine outstanding organizations as national leaders in the animal welfare field for their innovative programs that effectively reduce euthanasia of companion animals. Each organization has an exceptional program that has made a measurable impact on euthanasia in their communities by reducing pet overpopulation and/or increasing the number of animals adopted.

These programs are just a few outstanding organizations across the country to be recognized for “best practices” as part of American Humane’s national initiative “Getting To Zero: Ending Euthanasia of Healthy & Treatable Animals.” The initiative, which kicked off at American Humane’s annual conference in September, is based on the profound belief that American society can reduce to zero the number of healthy and treatable dogs, cats and other companion animals that are euthanized in animal care and control facilities. In launching the initiative, American Humane evaluated dozens of programs and recognized organizations whose programs were deemed to represent best practices that can help make this goal a reality.

“One of our highest priorities is the reduction and eventual elimination of euthanasia of healthy and treatable dogs and cats,” said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. “Although many Americans maintain a deep love and affection for animals, and pets are cherished members of millions of families, the millions of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats euthanized each year remains an unconscionable situation that must be corrected.”

American Humane believes that seeking out and identifying programs with a demonstrated record of success in adoption, foster care, spay/neuter, training and transfer, and disseminating these best practices nationwide, will engender community support for solutions that will benefit both the animals and the human family members who care for them.

About the American Humane Association
Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the oldest national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, the American Humane Association develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® End Credit Disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance and has been awarded the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more